Are You Syndicated?

Gameplay - 7/10

Storyline - 7/10

Graphics - 7/10

Game Score : 21/30

Syndicate (initially called Project RedLime) is a science fiction game by Starbreeze Studios, released on February 21, 2012 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. It is a reboot of the Syndicate series developed by Bullfrog Productions in 1993, completely changing the genre from a tactical shooter to an FPS. Syndicate is jam packed with fast paced action that will keep you firmly gripping your controller anticipating the next obstacle to overcome but sadly falls prey to repetition and lack of creativity in some key areas of the game.

In the game, the player can carry two weapons and grenades. Due to the player character's DART 6 bio-chip, the player can see the digital world where time is slowed and see the enemies via X-ray vision. The player can hack into enemies, called "breaching", where players can force three options on the enemy; "Suicide" where the enemy kills themselves and damages nearby foes, "Persuade" where the enemy temporarily becomes the player's ally, or "Backfire" where the enemy's weapon blows up, stunning them. A four-player co-operative mode has been confirmed, with a separate campaign based on missions from the original game. Syndicate will not use an online pass for the co-op modes. Multiplayer games take place in sequenced segments, with resupply points where the next segment begins. After completion, a player is promoted by experience points, which are received for kills, healing squadmates, and completing mission objectives. Certain enemies can also be "chip-ripped" to receive additional bonuses. Also acquired are research points, which can be applied to learn weapon upgrades, and programming changes to the Agent's individual powers.

In this day and age when most game releases are sequels, its good to see some new or revamped IP (Intellectual Property) being released. The industry has become far too complacent with just making sequels to cash in  on instead of coming up with new concepts or mechanics for gamers to experience. This may not be the next great idea but its certainly a step in the right direction. If I were to make a general summation of this game to another gamer I would say it is a blend of Crysis and Dues Ex: Human Revolution. Elements of Crysis can be seen in the overlay mode granting the user to slow down time as well as traits from Dues Ex: Human Revolution where ability points can be spent to level up particular attributes that compliment your play style. Even though not a totally new experience Syndicate manages to make the transition from third person tactical game to first person shooter relatively smoothly. Outside of feeling like this game recycled the tried and true futuristic espionage cookie cutter model we are used to seeing it lacked that extra bit of creativity as far as the cinematic kills were concerned. Especially considering all the controversy surrounding the games release in Australia where it was refused classification by the Australian Classification Board. Notwithstanding all this and the lack of a proper aiming cross-hair Syndicate is a fun game to play and at the very least an enjoyable single player experience regardless how short it is. Just take it at face value for its fast paced action and engaging story-line...